Pain Management

Introduction

What is Pain?

Pain is an uncomfortable feeling that tells you something may be wrong with your body. It is your body's way of sending a warning to your brain. Pain is whatever the person who is experiencing the pain says it is, and it exists whenever he or she says it does. Sometimes pain may only be an annoyance, like when you have a mild headache. At other times, pain may be a signal that there is a serious problem, such as when your pain does not go away after an operation - even after you take pain medicine.

Why should pain be treated?

Pain can affect you in many ways. It can keep you from being active, sleeping well, eating or enjoying family and friends. Pain can also make you feel afraid or depressed. When you are in pain or uncomfortable, your family and friends may worry about you.

Pain relief is important because it helps prevent these side effects by making you feel better. In addition, pain management can speed up your recovery, help prevent some complications and help you return to your daily activities sooner.

This article is from "Pain Management During Your Inpatient Stay" by the University Hospital Pain Committee and used by NetWellness with permission, 2007.

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